[Database Ranking] Comprehensive Guide to EUIPO Trademark Search
If you're searching for information on trademarks registered in Europe, the EUIPO TM search system is worth considering. This versatile system allows you to search by trademark number, keywords, and logos, making it a convenient option for trademark searches throughout the European Union.
In this article, we will explore the EUIPO TM search in detail, examining its strengths and weaknesses. We will assess its user-friendliness for both beginners and IT specialists.
Additionally, we will present alternative options for detailed wordmark and logo searches and discuss the benefits of hiring a trademark attorney for an Extensive Study instead of simply relying solely on the EUIPO TM system.
So, just how good is EUIPO TM Seach, and is it worth using?
Let's delve into the world of EUIPO TM trademark searches and discover the best approach for your needs.
The EUIPO TM Search Database: An Overview
The EUIPO, or European Union Intellectual Property Office, serves as the central authority for managing EU trademarks and registered community designs throughout the EU Member States.
Not only does the EUIPO handle registrations throughout the 27 states, but it also collaborates with IP offices in EU Member States and international partners.
The EUIPO does this to provide a seamless trademark and design registration experience across Europe and beyond. With its extensive reach and expertise, the EUIPO plays a vital role in harmonizing intellectual property protection across the globe.
What we love about it:
The EUIPO search offers comprehensive coverage, as it searches both EU trademarks and registered community designs across Europe. The EUIPO’s multiple search options (by a logo, owner, keyword, etc.) offer both flexibility and relevance as well.
It also has additional features such as advanced filters, classification tools, and a visual representation of trademark data. The EUIPO search tools enable users to conduct in-depth research and analysis without needing an expert.
Overall, the EUIPO TM search system provides a comprehensive, user-friendly, and feature-rich platform for conducting trademark searches. It is good for supporting the needs of individuals, businesses, and legal professionals diving into intellectual property rights within the European Union.
Let’s look at the specific pros and cons of using this system.
EUIPO TM Search: Key Features
The EUIPO TM database is a valuable resource for businesses and entrepreneurs, covering a wide range of industries. It is particularly useful for conducting European trademark searches, conducting market research, and identifying potential trademark conflicts. It includes three search platforms: TMView, DesignView, and/or eSearch Plus.
The EUIPO TM search database has a few key features that help it stand out from other databases.
Expands throughout the entire European Union: Because they register almost 135,000 trademarks every year, the EUIPO TM search hosts an extensive collection of registered trademarks.
These range throughout 27 European Union states, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
It’s important to note that the UK is a former member of the EU, and new EUIPO trademarks have no effect there. For this reason, they have their own trademark search system.
NOTE! The trademarking system in the EU is rather complicated. It has 2 levels:
For example, you can have a national mark in Germany and an EU mark in the EUIPO, which will cover Germany as well. Also, it might be the case that while there are no conflicting EU marks, there will be a similar mark in any national Register of an EU country. The owner of the national mark might present an opposition against your EUIPO mark. |
Easily searches for images and logos: One of the reasons we rank this database so highly is because of its ability to find all similar trademarks for the image searched. Although the results page might seem overwhelming, the process isn’t that difficult.
E Search Plus: The eSearch Plus application is a valuable tool that offers extensive information on trademarks, designs, owners, representatives, and bulletins. It provides users with the ability to conduct fast and efficient searches within the databases of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
With eSearch Plus, you can access comprehensive data to gather the necessary insights for your trademark or design-related research needs. Using advanced search options will give you more information about the following:
- Trademarks
- Designs
- Owner information
- Representative information
Database Ranking
How User-Friendly is the EUIPO TM Search?
We give it 6 out of 10 for wordmarks and 10 out of 10 for logos. So, truly this depends on which type of search you’re focusing on.
While the UK IPO Database is one of the most user-friendly trademark search engines for wordmarks across the globe, the EUIPO TM Search isn’t as user-friendly.
When it comes to wordmarks, the EUIPO TM will require you to have an intermediate to a high-level understanding of trademarks to find the wordmarks you’re looking for.
As far as logos are concerned, the search process is pretty simple. You simply upload your image and click the search button. Please note that after the first few pages, the results are not as similar. So, you really only need to go through a few pages to find similar logos. It is one of the best-functioning AI trademark searches across the globe.
How good is the EUIPO TM Search in evaluating your mark availability?
We give it 6 out of 10. In most cases, it’s enough to check only EUIPO marks. But with over 27 national registers to search through additionally, there is always the chance that you may miss trademarks.
For this reason, it’s not always recommended for professional use. Achieving the same level of search result accuracy without access to additional search fields for exact and precise searches is challenging.
Likewise, adding on manual searches conducted by attorneys and utilizing paid trademark databases can significantly enhance the precision and success of trademark studies. The inclusion of these resources enables a more comprehensive and detailed examination of trademarks.
How accurate is the EUIPO TM Search?
We give it 8 out of 10. The accuracy is around 80% for image searches, so you will find a conflicting mark with an 80% probability for logo searches. However, it will be much more difficult to ensure you haven’t missed a conflicting wordmark. Especially when potential trademarks don’t come up for other international locations. Thankfully, a follow-up search engine or higher a professional can help improve this accuracy score.
How novice friendly is the EUIPO TM Search search system?
We give it 6 out of 10 for wordmarks and 10 out of 10 for logos. Novices will find the EUIPO TM Search system relatively user-friendly, with a rating of 6 out of 10 for wordmarks and 10 out of 10 for logos. The search results are presented in a clear and understandable manner. However, novices may encounter some challenges when sifting through numerous wordmarks to identify potential conflicts and similarities. The process of determining if there is a conflict can be more complex and requires careful analysis.
How detailed is the EUIPO TM Search?
10 out of 10. One of the best things about this search function is that there are very detailed documents to review or download. There are even certificates that you can download. The best access to documents and details is included with the EUIPO TM Search.
Overall Points: We give it 8 points.
The Search is a very versatile tool that satisfies the needs of both novice users and seasoned professionals.
Alternative Search Options
As you can see, searching for trademarks can be difficult, but you can do it yourself. But with so much risk of “missing the mark,” you might want to explore other options. One of these is BonaMark’s Extensive Study.
The study includes a list of similar and identical trademarks, providing a thorough assessment of potential conflicts.
Bonamark's experts analyze similarities and provide a probability of registration, giving you valuable insights into the viability of your trademark.
You'll also receive a detailed registration report outlining the findings and recommendations based on their expertise.
Hiring Bonamark for an Extensive Study ensures professional guidance and increases the likelihood of making informed decisions regarding your trademark.
Final Thoughts
The EUIPO TM Search is a comprehensive and versatile tool for conducting trademark searches across Europe. It offers extensive coverage, advanced search options, and valuable resources for businesses and individuals. The user-friendliness of the system varies, with a higher rating for logo searches compared to wordmarks. While the accuracy is generally high, it's important to note potential limitations in finding conflicting wordmarks and the possibility of missing trademarks due to the vast scope of coverage.
For those seeking more detailed analysis and professional guidance, alternative options like Bonamark's Extensive Study can provide a comprehensive assessment of potential conflicts, the probability of registration, and expert recommendations. Hiring professionals can enhance the accuracy and success of trademark studies.
Ultimately, the choice between using the EUIPO TM Search or seeking professional services depends on the specific needs and expertise of individuals conducting trademark searches.